Understanding property information is crucial, especially when exploring opportunities like tax deed sales in St. Johns County, Florida. The St Johns County Property Appraiser Search is your first step in conducting thorough due diligence. This guide will explain how to navigate tax deed sales in St. Johns County and effectively use property appraisal resources for informed decisions. Tax deed sales occur when properties are sold due to unpaid real estate taxes, as managed by the St. Johns County Clerk of Court after notification from the Tax Collector. These sales are public auctions where properties are offered to the highest bidder to recover delinquent taxes.
Understanding St. Johns County Tax Deed Sales
Tax deed sales in St. Johns County are governed by Florida Statutes, Chapter 197, and the Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 12D-13. The process begins with the Tax Collector selling tax certificates annually for properties with overdue taxes. If a tax certificate holder requests a tax deed sale, the certificate is transferred to the Clerk’s Office, which then schedules a public auction. The highest bidder at this auction receives a Tax Deed for the property.
It’s critical to understand that all properties are sold “AS IS“. Potential bidders are solely responsible for conducting their own research into the property’s condition and title status. Thorough research is essential for every property you consider bidding on. Consulting with legal counsel is advisable to fully understand the implications of purchasing a tax deed property. The Clerk’s Office explicitly states they offer no guarantees or representations regarding property location, condition, marketability, zoning, potential liens, or title defects. You are purchasing the Tax Certificate, which does not automatically guarantee a clear and marketable title to the property. Importantly, tax deed sales are administrative processes, not court-ordered actions. The Clerk’s Office cannot provide property research assistance or legal advice.
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Tax Deed Search](https://apps.stjohnsclerk.com/TaxSmart)
To begin your search for tax deed sales, the Clerk’s Office provides an online Tax Deed Search tool. This tool allows you to access tax deed files, images, information on surplus funds, and lands available. If your search yields no results, it indicates no current active cases.
Key Points for Tax Deed Sales
- Publication: Public notice of upcoming tax deed sales is published in the St. Augustine Record newspaper for four weeks leading up to the sale date.
- Sale Time: Tax Deed Sales are typically held at 12:00 noon on the scheduled sale day, unless the property is redeemed (taxes paid) before the sale.
- Bidding Process: Prior property research is crucial before bidding. Once bidding commences, interruptions are not allowed. Maintaining a respectful and quiet environment is expected during the auction. Bidding increments are flexible, and bidders or their representatives must be physically present to participate.
Important Note: Understanding what you are bidding on and any potential liens on the property is paramount.
- Successful Bidder Requirements: The highest bidder must immediately pay a non-refundable deposit, which is the greater of 5% of the final bid or $200, payable in cash or certified funds only. Personal checks and cards are not accepted. Florida law mandates the successful bidder to pay any remaining costs within 24 hours, again via cash or certified funds. At the sale’s conclusion, the winning bidder must provide the exact name and address for the Tax Deed.
For detailed information regarding bidding requirements, payments, surplus funds, and other specifics, contact the Tax Deed Department directly at 904-819-3632 or via email at [email protected].
Utilizing Informational Websites for Property Research
St. Johns County Property Appraiser
St. Johns County Tax Collector
For further details on Tax Deed sales, refer to the Tax Deeds Frequently Asked Questions page.
The St. Johns County Property Appraiser website is an invaluable resource for conducting your property research before participating in a tax deed sale. Through the St Johns County Property Appraiser search, you can access a wealth of information about specific parcels, including property characteristics, assessed values, ownership details, and sales history. This information is vital in assessing the potential value and risks associated with a property in a tax deed sale. Complementing this, the St. Johns County Tax Collector website provides information related to property taxes, payments, and tax certificates, offering another layer of due diligence.
Tax Deed Fees and Surplus Funds
Tax Deed Sale fees are legally mandated by Florida Statutes and are paid to the Clerk of the Circuit Court by the initiating party. Fees vary per case and include costs for application, sheriff service, postage, advertising, and sale day deposits.
| Tax Deeds |
|---|
| Opening |
| $40 Sheriff fee per person to be served |
| Postage |
| advertising fee |
| Sale day |
| Winning bid |
| Surplus |
| Disbursement of Proceeds |
A tax deed sale surplus arises when the final sale price exceeds the opening bid. These excess funds are managed and disbursed according to Florida Statute 197.582. Surplus cases are listed under the surplus funds tab within the tax deed search link provided by the Clerk.
General Information Notice
Remember, information provided by the Clerk of Circuit Court is for general guidance only and may not cover every situation. It is not legal advice. For specific legal questions regarding tax deed sales, consult with a qualified attorney. Using the St Johns County Property Appraiser search and other official resources is crucial for your own informed decision-making in tax deed sales.
